Analyzer

ABSTRACT

An analyzer includes a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing an organic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gas containing hydrogen, a flame ionization detector which is connected to the reforming unit, and detects an ion generated by combusting the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and a sample gas, or ionizing a sample gas by reaction with the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit, and outputs an output signal representing the ionic amount, and an analysis controller which analyzes the output signal from the flame ionization detector, and provides data capable of identifying a component contained in the sample gas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority fromprior Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-085978, filed Mar. 24, 2005,the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an analyzer.

2. Description of the Related Art

Recently, environmental protection activities are becoming much morepronounced. This increases the number of opportunities to performvarious analyses on samples existing outdoors, such as the atmosphere,water in rivers and the like, and soil. Especially when changes insample with time are to be analyzed outdoors, when a sample is to beanalyzed immediately after being sampled, or when subsequent sampling isto be performed in accordance with the obtained measurement, a safe,portable analytical system which is compact and lightweight and can becarried to a sampling point is necessary.

As an analyzer for analyzing these samples existing outdoors, e.g., forthe analysis of gases, a gas chromatograph analytical system is used. Inthe conventional gas chromatograph analytical system, heating isperformed to separate the component of a sample gas. For example, Jpn.Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 8-211038 describes that a portableanalyzer is implemented by obtaining heat necessary for this heating byusing the exothermic reaction of a combustion gas.

In the gas chromatograph analytical system, a flame ionization detector(FID) can be used as an analyzer for analyzing a sample gas. Hydrogengas is necessary to analyze a sample gas by using this FID. Since,however, hydrogen gas is explosive, the transportation, storage, or useof hydrogen gas requires a rigid and safe vessel and vehicle, andfurther requires a vessel, worker, and storage facility which complywith the law. Therefore, the conventional analyzer cannot simplytransport nor handle hydrogen gas.

There are some gas chromatograph analyzers in which hydrogen isgenerated in its actual use, and then the generated hydrogen is used inanalysis. More specifically, hydrogen is generated by a hydrogengenerator which generates hydrogen by electrolyzing water.

Unfortunately, the hydrogen generator is mainly used in a stationaryanalyzer because the generation of hydrogen requires high power. Totransport the hydrogen generator and use it in analysis, a power supplyfor obtaining high power must be transported at the same time. Thismakes the hydrogen generator difficult to transport.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an analyzer which iscompact, lightweight, and easy to handle.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided ananalyzer comprising a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing anorganic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gascontaining hydrogen, a fuel cell which is connected to the reformingunit, and generates power by using the reformed gas supplied from thereforming unit and oxygen, a flame ionization detector which isconnected to the reforming unit, and detects an ion generated bycombusting the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and asample gas, and an analysis controller which is connected to the fuelcell, operates by using the power generated by the fuel cell, analyzesan output signal from the flame ionization detector, and provides datacapable of identifying a component contained in the sample gas.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan analyzer comprising a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing anorganic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gascontaining hydrogen, a fuel cell which is connected to the reformingunit, and generates power by using the reformed gas supplied from thereforming unit and oxygen, a reducing unit which is connected to thereforming unit, and reduces a component contained in a sample fluid byusing the reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit, a detectorwhich is connected to the reducing unit, and detects the componentreduced in the reducing unit, and an analysis controller which isconnected to the fuel cell, operates by using the power generated by thefuel cell, analyzes an output signal from the detector, and providesdata capable of identifying the component contained in the sample fluid.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan analyzer comprising a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing anorganic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gascontaining hydrogen, a fuel cell which is connected to the reformingunit, and generates power by using the reformed gas supplied from thereforming unit and oxygen, a reference electrode connected to thereforming unit, and dipped in a sample liquid into which the reformedgas is supplied from the reforming unit, a counter electrode and workingelectrode dipped in the sample liquid, an electrochemicalinstrumentation which is connected to the reference electrode, workingelectrode, and counter electrode, and performs electrochemicalmeasurement, and an analysis controller which is connected to the fuelcell, operates by using the power generated by the fuel cell, analyzesan electrochemical measurement signal output from the electrochemicalinstrumentation, and provides data capable of identifying a componentcontained in the sample liquid.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is providedan analyzer comprising a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing anorganic compound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gascontaining hydrogen, a working electrode and counter electrode dipped ina sample liquid, a normal hydrogen electrode which is indirectlyconnected to the sample liquid via a salt bridge electrically, andconnected to the reforming unit from which the reformed gas can besupplied, an electrochemical instrumentation which is connected to thenormal hydrogen electrode, working electrode, and counter electroderespectively, and performs electrochemical measurement, and an analysiscontroller which analyzes an electrochemical measurement signal outputfrom the electrochemical instrumentation, and provides data configuredto identify a component contained in the sample liquid.

Furthermore, according to another aspect of the present invention, thereis provided an analyzer comprising a reforming unit which reforms fuelcontaining dimethylether in a liquid state into a reformed gascontaining hydrogen, a fuel cell which is connected to the reformingunit, and generates power by using the reformed gas supplied from thereforming unit and oxygen, a separator which separates a componentcontained in a sample liquid, pressurizing means for applying, to thesample liquid, a pressure generated by the dimethylether, therebysupplying the sample liquid to the separator, a detector which isconnected to the separator, and detects the component separated in theseparator, and an analysis controller which operates by using the powergenerated by the fuel cell, analyzes an output signal from the detector,and provides data capable of identifying the component contained in thesample liquid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically showing a modification of theanalyzer according to the first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa third embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram schematically showing a modification of theanalyzer according to the third embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa fourth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail belowwith reference to the accompanying drawing. Note that in the drawing,the same reference numerals denote constituent elements which achievethe same or similar functions, and a repetitive explanation thereof willbe omitted.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa first embodiment of the present invention.

An analyzer 100 of the first embodiment includes a reforming unit 101,analyzing unit 102, fuel cell 103, and analysis controller 104. Hydrogengenerated in the reforming unit 101 is used in the analyzing unit 102 inorder to analyze a sample gas. This generated hydrogen is also used inthe fuel cell 103 which generates electric power by using the hydrogen.The generated power is used in the analysis controller 104 for thepurpose of analysis. More specifically, this generated power is used asat least a part of electric power necessary for the analysis controller104 to, e.g., amplify or analyze an output signal from the analyzingunit 102. This power is also used as at least a part of electric powernecessary to operate, e.g., the reforming unit 101, analyzing unit 102,or fuel cell 103.

The analyzer 100 further includes a pump 105, heat exchanger 106, andwater tank 107. The pump 105 supplies air containing oxygen to the fuelcell 103. The heat exchanger 106 exchanges heat between the air used inpower generation in the fuel cell 103 and the air to be supplied to thefuel cell 103. The water tank 107 collects water condensed in the heatexchanger 106. The electric power generated by the fuel cell 103 can beused as to operate the pump 105.

Details of the reforming unit 101 will be explained below.

The reforming unit 101 has a vaporizer 2 for vaporizing at least aportion of liquid fuel supplied from a fuel tank 1. The fuel tank 1contains organic fuel (to be simply referred to as fuel hereinafter),e.g., an aqueous solution of an organic compound containing carbon andhydrogen. Examples of the organic compound are alcohol such as methanoland ethanol, naphtha, and dimethylether. The vaporizer 2 can vaporizethe fuel by using heat supplied by a combustor 5 (to be describedlater).

The reforming unit 101 has a reformer 3. The reformer 3 is connected tothe downstream side of the vaporizer 2. The reformer 3 promotes areforming reaction which reforms the fuel vaporized by the vaporizer 2into a gas (a reformed gas) containing hydrogen. The reformer 3 isfilled with a reforming catalyst which promotes the reforming reactionof the vaporized fuel. The reforming reaction can be further acceleratedby supplying heat from the combustor 5 (to be described later) to thereformer 3. It is also possible to heat the reformer 3 by using heat of,e.g., the fuel cell 103, an electric heater (not shown), or thecombustion of the fuel, instead of or in combination with the heat ofthe combustor 5. When an aqueous solution of dimethylether and water isused as the fuel, it is possible to use, as the reforming catalyst, Pt,Cu, Zn, a mixture of Pd/ZnO or Cu/ZnO, and alumina, or a reformingcatalyst having Pt/alumina. When an aqueous solution of dimethyletherand water is used as the fuel, the reforming reaction is

CH₃OCH₃+3H₂O→6H₂+2CO₂(+CO)  (1)

wherein CO is carbon monoxide as a byproduct.

The reforming unit 101 further has a CO reducer 4. The CO reducer 4 isconnected to the downstream side of the reformer 3. The fuel obtainedafter the reforming reaction is promoted in the reformer 3, i.e., thereformed gas, sometimes contains a large amount of CO as a byproduct.The CO reducer 4 reduces the concentration of CO contained in thereformed gas. The CO reducer 4 is filled with a CO reducing catalystwhich promotes the reaction which shift from CO to another material,e.g., a CO water-gas shift reaction or a selective methanation reaction.As a CO reducing reaction, a reaction indicated by formula (2) or (3)can be used. A CO reducing catalyst containing Pt can be used for thereaction of formula (2), and a CO reducing catalyst containing Mg or Rucan be used for the reaction of formula (3).

CO+H₂O→H₂+CO₂  (2)

CO+3H₂→CH₄+H₂O  (3)

The reformed gas in which the CO concentration is thus reduced issupplied to the analyzing unit 102 and fuel cell 103 connected to thereforming unit 101. The heat generated during the CO reducing reactionin the CO reducer 4 can also be supplied to the vaporizer 2.

A portion of hydrogen contained in the reformed gas supplied to the fuelcell 103 is used in power generation. The reformed gas exhausted fromthe fuel cell 103 contains the rest of hydrogen not used in the powergeneration. This reformed gas exhausted from the fuel cell 103 issupplied to the combustor 5.

The combustor 5 accelerates an oxidation reaction of the rest ofhydrogen contained in the reformed gas exhausted from the fuel cell 103.The combustor 5 is contained with a combusting catalyst. This combustingcatalyst accelerates the oxidation reaction of the remaining hydrogen,so it changes into water (steam). oxygen necessary for the oxidationreaction is supplied in the form of oxygen-containing air to thecombustor 5 by the pump 105. The combustor 5 reaches a temperature of,e.g., about 350° C. As described above, the heat generated during theoxidation reaction can be supplied to the vaporizer 2, reformer 3, or COreducer 4. A heat transfer means (not shown) can be provided between thecombustor 5, and the vaporizer 2, reformer 3, or CO reducer 4. The heatgenerated during the oxidation reaction can also be supplied to a column8 (to be described later) by using a heat conducting member 9 a (to bedescribed later). The gas (steam) exhausted from the combustor 5 has atemperature of, e.g., about 300° C. Therefore, the heat of the gas(steam) exhausted from the combustor 5 may also be supplied to at leastone of the vaporizer 2, reformer 3, CO reducer 4, and column 8, insteadof or in combination with the heat of the combustor 5. Although FIG. 1shows an example in which the combustor 5 is incorporated into thereforming unit 101, this embodiment is not limited to this example. Thatis, the combustor 5 can be contained in the reforming unit 101, orexternally attached to the reforming unit 101 or fuel cell 103.

Note that the reforming unit 101 including the combustor 5 can be stowedin a heat-insulated vessel. When a catalyst of a copper-zinc family isused as the reforming catalyst, the temperature of the reformer 3 ispreferably set at, e.g., about 250° C. When a Pt catalyst, for example,is used as the reforming catalyst, the reformer 3 is preferably set at,e.g., about 350° C. The heat of the combustor 5 can be efficientlyconducted to the reformer 3 or vaporizer 2 by carrying the reformingunit 101 in a heat-insulated vessel.

Details of the analyzing unit 102 will be explained below.

The analyzing unit 102 has a supply port 6 for supplying a sample gas. Acarrier gas supply means 7 can be connected to a line L1 on the upstreamside of the supply port 6. The carrier gas supply means 7 helps supply asample gas into the analyzing unit 102. As the carrier gas supply means7, it is possible to use, e.g., a structure obtained by connecting aregulator to a cylinder filled with an inert gas such as He or N₂.

The analyzing unit 102 can have the column 8 as a separating means forseparating a sample gas. When the composition of gas contained in asample gas is already known, the column 8 is not particularly necessary.However, if the type of gas contained in a sample gas is unknown, or ifthe type of gas changes, the column 8 is preferably placed in theanalyzing unit 102. As this separating means, a gas chromatographycolumn can be used. In particular, a capillary column or packed columncan be used as the column 8. This capillary column or packed column canhave, e.g., a molecular sieve function.

A first heat conducting member 9 a is provided as a heat transfer meansbetween the column 8 and combustor 5. The column 8 and combustor 5 canbe thermally connected via the first heat conducting member 9 a. As theheat conducting member 9 a, it is possible to use, e.g., a metallicplate made of metal having a high conductivity, e.g., aluminum orcopper, heat pipe, or heat exchanger using a heating medium such as afluid. However, the heat conducting member 9 a of this embodiment is notlimited to these materials, and it is also possible to use materialssuch as plastic having a relatively low heat conductivity. The heatconducting member 9 a may also be integrated with the combustor 5 orreforming unit 101, or with a protection case of the column 8. Thecolumn 8 is heated by heat supplied from the combustor 5 to the column 8by the heat conducting member 9 a. This allows the column 8 to separatecomponents contained in the sample gas. The column 8 may be thermallyconnected to the combustor 5 via the heat conducting member 9 a by usinga heating medium fluid such as a liquid or gas, alternative to a solidmember.

The analyzing unit 102 has a flame ionization detector (FID) 10. The FID10 is connected to the column 8 so that the sample gas separated intocomponents can be supplied to the FID 10. The FID 10 is also connectedto the reforming unit 101 so that the reformed gas can be supplied tothe FID 10. The FID 10 combusts the sample gas separated intocomponents, and the reformed gas, or ionizes the sample gas separatedinto components by reaction with the reformed gas. The FID 10 alsodetects ions generated during the combustion or ionization, and outputsan output signal representing ionic amount.

Details of the fuel cell 103 will be explained below.

The fuel cell 103 includes an MEA having a structure in which anelectrolyte membrane 13 is sandwiched between a fuel electrode 11 andoxidizer electrode 12. It is possible to use only one MEA, or combine aplurality of MEAs. The fuel electrode (or anode) 11 contains, forexample, a porous sheet which holds a carbon black powder supporting Ptby a water-repellent resin binder such as polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE). Similar to the fuel electrode 11, the oxidizer electrode (orcathode) 12 contains, for example, a porous sheet which holds a carbonblack powder supporting Pt by a water-repellent resin binder such aspolytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The electrolyte membrane 13 is made of afluorocarbon polymer, e.g., Nafion (a registered trademark of Du Pont),having a cation exchange group such as a sulfonic acid group orcarboxylic acid group, and has proton conductivity. The porous sheet ofthe fuel electrode 11 and oxidizer electrode 12 may contain a sulfonicacid type perfluorocarbon polymer or fine particles coated with thispolymer.

The reformed gas is supplied to the fuel electrode 11 from the reformingunit 101. This reformed gas is used in power generation in the fuelelectrode 11, and supplied to the combustor 5. Also, air (havingundergone heat exchange in the heat exchanger 106) is supplied to theoxidizer electrode 12 by using the pump 105. This air is used in powergeneration in the oxidizer electrode 12, and supplied to the heatexchanger 106.

Hydrogen in the reformed gas supplied to the fuel electrode 11 reacts init as indicated by

H₂→2H⁺+2e⁻  (4)

On the other hand, oxygen in the air supplied to the oxidizer electrode12 reacts in it as indicated by

1/2O₂+2H⁺+2e ⁻→H₂O  (5)

A second heat conducting member 9 b is provided as a heat transfer meansbetween the fuel cell 103 and column 8. The fuel cell 103 and column 8can be thermally connected via the second heat conducting member 9 b. Asthe heat conducting member 9 b, it is possible to use, e.g., a metallicplate made of metal having a high conductivity, e.g., aluminum orcopper, heat pipe, or heat exchanger using a heating medium such as afluid. However, the heat conducting member 9 b of this embodiment is notlimited to these materials, and it is also possible to use materialssuch as plastic having a relatively low heat conductivity. The heatconducting member 9 b may also be integrated with the fuel cell 103, orwith a protection case of the column 8.

Details of the analysis controller 104 will be explained below.

As the analysis controller 104, a general-purpose information processingterminal such as a personal computer and its peripheral devices can beused. An output signal from the FID 10 is an analog signal having asmall current value. The analysis controller 104 converts this outputsignal into a digital signal, and, if necessary, amplifies the outputsignal before converting it into a digital signal. Also, the analysiscontroller 104 performs necessary processing on the output signal thusconverted into a digital signal, in accordance with, e.g., the analysispurpose or the type of sample gas, and outputs the result of analysis.For example, a component (an analytic component) contained in a samplegas can be identified (qualitatively and/or quantitatively determined)from the result of analysis. This identification can be performed byreferring to a prepared database of the analysis controller 104.Alternatively, whenever a sample gas is analyzed, the analytic componentdescribed above can be calibrated by analyzing a standard sample (notshown) by the analyzing unit 102.

The obtained signal can be physically stored in a recording medium suchas a hard disk of the analysis controller 104. Depending on the state ofchanges in sample fluid, an exhaust source which exhausts the samplefluid can be controlled to stop the exhaustion. The state of a samplefluid can also be globally monitored by communicating with anotherobservation base via a network by using wires or by radio.

The analysis controller 104 can also perform necessary control foroperating the analyzer 100, e.g., the reforming unit 101 and analyzingunit 102, the control is such as carrier gas flow rate control andsequence control of the operation of the analyzing unit 102. Practicalanalysis control is as follows.

First, the analysis controller 104 determines whether the analyzing unit102 is capable of analysis. Examples of the determination items are theremaining amount of a carrier gas, the temperature and pressure of asample gas, the temperature of the column 8, the temperature of the FID10, and the stability of the baseline of an ionic electric current ofthe FID 10. The analysis controller 104 totally evaluates thesedetermination items, and, if a problem arises, performs feedback controlsuch that each item falls within a predetermined range. Thedetermination standards can be prestored in the analysis controller 104or externally supplied by communication.

If the analysis state of the analyzing unit 102 has no problem, a samplegas is supplied into the analyzing unit 102 from the supply port 6. Theanalysis controller 104 can also control, e.g., the supply amount of thesample gas. For example, the analysis controller 104 can control theratio of the sample gas to the carrier gas by controlling a valve V1 ofthe line L1 on the upstream side of the supply port 6 and a valve V2 onthe downstream side of the carrier gas supply means 7. In this manner,an appropriate amount of sample gas can be supplied to the analyzingunit 102.

The appropriate amount of sample gas is supplied to the separating meansthrough the supply port 6, i.e., the supply port of the reforming unit101. Although the column 8 is used as this separating means in thisembodiment, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Thecolumn 8 can be used as it is held at a predetermined temperature, orcan be used as it is heated at a predetermined heating rate and thenheld at a predetermined temperature. The method of using the column 8can be changed in accordance with the type of sample gas.

The reforming unit 101 can be used as a heating source of the column 8.The quantity of heat supplied to the column 8 can be controlled by theanalysis controller 104. For example, when the molecular weights oftarget component contained in a sample gas extend over a broad range, itis preferably heat the column 8 at a constant rate of 5° C./min in orderto perform analysis with a short time. It may also be necessary to heatthe column 8 to a predetermined temperature of, e.g., 300° C. When themolecular weights of target component contained in a sample gas extendover a broad range, the temperature of the column 8 can be increased bysupplying heat to the column 8 from the reforming unit 101,particularly, the combustor 5.

On the other hand, when a sample gas is made up of only components suchas methane or ethane having relatively low molecular weights, thesecomponents can be separated in a constant-temperature use environment at80° C. or less. In this case, the column 8 can be controlled at aconstant temperature by supplying the heat of the fuel cell 103 to thecolumn 8, while the heat is controlled by the analysis controller 104.Because the fuel cell 103 generates heat at a temperature of 60 to 90°C. The quantity of heat generated by the fuel cell 103 can be adjusted,for example, by controlling the fuel supply amount from the fuel tank 1via a valve V4 (to be described later) or by controlling the oxygensupply amount by the pump 105. The heat supplied from the fuel cell 103to the column 8 can be the heat of the fuel electrode 11 or the heat ofthe oxidizer electrode 12. This heat can also be the heat of the wholeof the fuel cell 103. It is, of course, also possible to supply adeficient heat quantity from the reforming unit 101 or a heater (notshown).

When heat is to be supplied from the combustor 5 to the column 8, atleast one of the first heat conducting member 9 a, combustor 5, andcolumn 8 is moved by a cylinder driving mechanism (not shown) to bringthe first heat conducting member 9 a into contact with both thecombustor 5 and column 8. In this way, heat can be supplied from thecombustor 5 to the column 8. When the heating medium is used as thefirst heat conducting member 9 a, a heating medium valve (not shown) isopened to supply the fluid from the combustor 5 serving as ahigh-temperature portion to the column 8 serving as a low-temperatureportion. This makes it possible to transfer heat from the combustor 5 tothe column 8.

On the other hand, when heat is to be supplied from the fuel cell 103 tothe column 8, at least one of the second heat conducting member 9 b,fuel cell 103, and column 8 is moved by a cylinder driving mechanism(not shown) to bring the second heat conducting member 9 b into contactwith both the fuel cell 103 and column 8. In this manner, heat can besupplied from the fuel cell 103 to the column 8. The heating medium canalso be used as the second heat conducting member 9 b in the same manneras described above. That is, a heating medium valve (not shown) isopened to supply the fluid from the fuel cell 103 serving as ahigh-temperature portion to the column 8 serving as a low-temperatureportion. This makes it possible to transfer heat from the fuel cell 103to the column 8. Note that in this embodiment, the first and second heatconducting members 9 a and 9 b are placed in the column 8. However, theheat conducting members 9 a and 9 b may also be placed in the reformingunit 101 and fuel cell 103, respectively. It is also possible to omitone of the heat conducting members 9 a and 9 b.

The analysis controller 104 can switch a heat conduction mode using thefirst heat conducting member 9 a and a heat conduction mode using thesecond heat conducting member 9 b, in accordance with a sample gas. Thatis, when a sample gas is to be analyzed as it is heated to a hightemperature, the analysis controller 104 selects the heat conductionmode using the first heat conducting member 9 a. When a sample gas is tobe analyzed as it is heated to a low temperature, the analysiscontroller 104 selects the heat conduction mode using the second heatconducting member 9 b. Note that in FIG. 1, the conduction of heat isindicated by the zigzag solid lines. Also, the exchange of fluid isindicated by the solid lines, and the transmission of signals isindicated by the dotted lines.

A necessary heat quantity of the column 8 can be controlled by dividingthe combustor 5 into a plurality of portions different in heat capacity.That is, when the combustor 5 is divided into three portions A, B, andC, the heat capacities of the portions A, B, and C are set at, e.g., 2,1, and 0.5 W, respectively. When a heat capacity of about 3 W isnecessary, the portions A and B are operated. When a heat capacity ofabout 1.5 W is necessary, the portions B and C are operated. This makesit possible to control both the heat capacity of the combustor 5 and thetemperature of the column 8. If the temperature of the column 8 risesmore than necessary, at least one of the portions A, B, and C need onlybe turned off. The analysis controller 104 can perform all these controloperations.

Note that when the column 8 is to be cooled after the analysis, theanalysis controller 104 can direct and supervise the control. The column8 can be cooled by supplying air to the periphery of the vessel of thecolumn 8 (when an oven [not shown] for heating the column 8 is used, airis supplied into this oven). It is also possible to provide a cooler(not shown), and cool the column 8 by this cooler. Alternatively,another heat conducting member (e.g., a heat radiation fin [not shown])can be attached to the column 8 to obtain a structure which misses heatto the outside.

A sample gas separated into components by the separating means such asthe column 8 is successively supplied to the FID 10. The gas is mixedwith a predetermined amount of the reformed gas supplied from thereforming unit 101, and an output signal is obtained as a flameionization current. On the basis of this output signal, theconcentration of each component in the sample gas can be quantitativelyand continuously detected. Note that the flow rate of the reformed gassupplied from the reforming unit 101 to the analyzing unit 102 can alsobe controlled by the analysis controller 104. More specifically, whenthe analysis controller 104 controls a valve V3 provided in a reformedgas supply channel, the flow rate of the reformed gas from the reformingunit 101 to the analyzing unit 102 is controlled.

It is possible to use one or a plurality of analysis controllers 104.When one analysis controller 104 is used, the analysis controller 104performs analysis and control of the whole of the analyzer 100. When aplurality of analysis controllers 104 are used, the analysis controllers104 analyze and control the reforming unit 101, analyzing unit 102, andfuel cell 103 by complementing each other. The analysis control methodof the analysis controller 104 can be preset as a program in theanalysis controller 104. On the basis of the set program, the operationof each unit of the analyzer 100 can be controlled.

If the analyzing unit 102 becomes incapable of analysis, the analysiscontroller 104 can analyze information of this inconvenience. On thebasis of this analytical result, the analysis controller 104 can performcontrol so as not to supply the reformed gas containing hydrogen fromthe reforming unit 101 to the analyzing unit 102. The analysiscontroller 104 can also generate alarm indicating the inconvenientstate, and notify another station of the inconvenient state via anetwork by using a telephone line or by radio.

Note that electric power necessary to operate the analysis controller104 can be supplied from the fuel cell 103. Note also that electricpower necessary to operate the reforming unit 101 and/or the analyzingunit 102 can be supplied from the fuel cell 103. It is also possible tocombine the fuel cell 103 and an external power supply to obtain acombined power supply system which supplies electric power necessary tooperate the analyzer 100. Furthermore, the fuel cell 103 alone can beused as a private power generation system which supplies all electricpower necessary to operate the analyzer 100.

The reforming unit 101 generates hydrogen necessary for the analyzingunit 102 and hydrogen necessary for the fuel cell 103. The analysiscontroller 104 monitors, measures, and analyzes the analysis intervalsof the analyzing unit 102, and the power consumption and demand quantityof heat including peripheral devices and the like. On the basis of theresult of analysis, the analysis controller 104 can control the amountof fuel to be supplied, and the amount of hydrogen to be generated. Theanalysis controller 104 controls the amount of fuel supplied to thereforming unit 101. More specifically, the supply amount of fuel iscontrolled when the analysis controller 104 controls the valve V4 on theexit side of the fuel supply tank 1.

When the analyzer 100 of the first embodiment is to be transported inorder to analyze a sample fluid existing outdoors, it is unnecessary totransport hydrogen or a power supply required when a hydrogen generatorelectrolyzes water. This makes the analyzer 100 compact, lightweight,and easy to handle.

In addition, since heat for heating the separating means is suppliedfrom the combustor 5, it is possible to reduce the heating capability ofthe electric heater for heating the separating means, or it isunnecessary to use any electric heater. Therefore, the size and weightof the analyzer 100 can be further reduced. Furthermore, since it ispossible to reduce the heating capability of the electric heater forheating the separating means, or it is unnecessary to use any electricheater, the electric power necessary to operate the analyzer 100 can bereduced.

In this embodiment, the column 8 is heated by the reforming unit 101,particularly, the combustor 5 or fuel cell 103. However, the presentinvention is not limited to this embodiment, and the thermal efficiencyof the whole of the analyzer 100 can be optimized. For example, the heatgenerated during the CO reducing reaction in the CO reducer 4 can alsobe supplied to the column 8. For example, the analyzing unit 102 can bemaintained at a constant temperature by placing the analyzing unit 102close to the fuel cell 103 or reforming unit 101, thus increasing themeasurement accuracy of the analyzing unit 102.

Note that FIG. 1 shows an example in which the reformed gas in which theCO concentration is reduced by the CO reducer 4 is supplied to theanalyzing unit 102 and fuel cell 103, but the present invention is notlimited to this example. For example, a hydrogen purifier 14 can beprovided downstream of the CO reducer 4 in the reforming unit 101.

FIG. 2 shows an analyzer 100A as a modification additionally includingthe hydrogen purifier 14. If, for example, the concentration of a targetgas contained in a sample gas is as low as about a few ppm, the baselineof CO contained in the reformed gas produces noise and decreases themeasurement accuracy in some cases. In a case like this, theconcentration of hydrogen contained in the reformed gas can be increasedby further separating CO from the reformed gas by the hydrogen purifier14. When this hydrogen-rich reformed gas is supplied to the analyzingunit 102, the measurement accuracy increases. It is also possible tokeep the fuel cell 103 from decreasing its activity by CO. Note that COseparated by the hydrogen purifier 14 can be directly supplied to thecombustor 5 without being supplied to the fuel electrode 11 via anotherline (not shown). Note that as the hydrogen purifier 14, it is possibleto use a known hydrogen permeable film, e.g., a membrane of palladium,vanadium, or tantalum, or a CO sorbent. Heat can be supplied from thecombustor 5 to the hydrogen purifier 14. When a palladium membrane isused as the hydrogen purifier 14, the hydrogen purifier 14 is preferablyset at, e.g., about 250° C. It is possible, by heating the hydrogenpurifier 14, to increase the hydrogen purification rate and furtherincrease the hydrogen concentration of the obtained gas. A heat transfermeans (not shown) can be provided between the hydrogen purifier 14 andcombustor 5. Alternatively, the hydrogen purifier 14 can be stowedtogether with the reformer 2 and combustor 5 in a heat-insulated vessel.

Note that when a sample gas contains only one component, or whencomponents of a sample gas are known and only changes in total amountwith time are to be analyzed, the column 8 can be omitted. If the column8 is omitted, a sample gas can be supplied directly from the supply port6 to the FID 10.

It is also possible to supply the reformed gas to the column 8, insteadof the FID 10. Alternatively, the reformed gas can be supplied to theFID 10 and column 8. As a consequence, the reformed gas can be used in apretreatment of a sample gas as well. For example, the azo bond ofazo-dye and the related compounds can be cleaved and reduced to formaromatic amines by helium gas containing 5% of hydrogen, and thereby thecomponent can be separated. Thus the aromatic amine is produced, and itcan be separated by the column 8, and analyzed by the FID 10. In thiscase, a switch valve V3 provided in a branch line L3 and a switch valveV5 provided in a branch line L5 can be used. The branch lines L3 and L5are lines which branch from the reformed gas supply channel from thereforming unit 101 to the fuel cell 103. The branch line L3 joins achannel between the column 8 and FID 10. The branch line L5 joins achannel (the line L1 on the upstream side of the column 8. Morespecifically, to supply the reformed gas from the reforming unit 101 tothe column 8, the valve V5 is opened, and the valve V3 is closed. Tosupply the reformed gas from the reforming unit 101 to the FID 10, thevalve V3 is opened, and the valve V5 is closed. The analysis controller104 controls these valve opening/closing operations.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 3 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa second embodiment of the present invention. Note that the samereference numerals as in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 denote thesame parts, and an explanation thereof will be omitted.

An analyzer 200 of the second embodiment has an analyzing unit 201 whichmeasures, for example, the atomic absorption spectrophotometric value.The analyzing unit 201 includes a reducing unit 21 and detector 22. Theanalyzing unit 201 identifies (qualitatively and/or quantitativelydetermines) components contained in a sample fluid in a liquid or gasstate, together with an analysis controller 104. For example, thedetector 22 of the analyzing unit 201 detects arsenic or antimonycontained in a sample fluid such as underground water.

The reducing unit 21 reduces components contained in a sample fluid byusing hydrogen contained in a reformed gas supplied from a reformingunit 101. In the reducing unit 21, the reducing reaction of a samplefluid generates a hydride gas of a target component (e.g., arseniccontained in underground water) contained in a sample fluid. A bypassline L52 is provided between the reforming unit 101 and analyzing unit201. The bypass line L52 branches from an exit-side channel of a COreducer 4, and joins a line L1 on the upstream side of a supply port 6of the reducing unit 21. A valve V52 is provided in the bypass line L52.When the valve V52 is opened, hydrogen gas is supplied from the COreducer 4 to the reducing unit 21 through the bypass line L52. Theanalysis controller 104 controls the valve opening/closing operation.

As the detector 22, it is possible to use, e.g., a reducing vaporizationatomic absorption spectroscopy photometer, or a furnace type atomicabsorption spectroscopy photometer. The atomic absorption spectroscopyphotometer is used to detect the absorbance by atomic absorption orspectrophotometric value of the reduced sample fluid. The atomicabsorption spectroscopy photometer can detect the absorbance orspectrophotometric value of the hydride gas generated in the reducingunit 21. A detection signal obtained by the detector 22 is processed andoutput by the analysis controller 104.

When the analyzer 200 of the second embodiment is to be transported inorder to analyze a sample fluid existing outdoors, it is unnecessary totransport hydrogen or a power supply required when a hydrogen generatorelectrolyzes water. This makes the analyzer 200 compact, lightweight,and easy to handle.

Note that in this embodiment, the reformed gas in which theconcentration of CO is reduced by the CO reducer 4 is supplied to theanalyzing unit 201 and a fuel cell 103. In this embodiment, however, ahydrogen purifier 14 can be added to the reforming unit 101 as in thefirst embodiment.

Also, as in the first embodiment, the reducing unit 21 can be thermallyconnected to the reforming unit 101 (particularly, a combustor 5) or tothe fuel cell 103 by using a heat conducting member 9 a or 9 b. Thereducing reaction in the reducing unit 21 can be accelerated bycontrolling the temperature of the reducing unit 21 by using heat whichis conducted through the heat conducting member 9 a or 9 b. In addition,the heat of the combustor 5 or fuel cell 103 can be conducted to thedetector 22 via a heat transfer means (not shown). This makes itpossible to reduce the temperature change in the detector 22, andthereby increase the detection accuracy. As described above, theanalyzer of this embodiment is also suited to maintaining themeasurement systems 21 and 22 at a constant temperature, and thisincreases the thermal efficiency.

Third Embodiment

FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa third embodiment of the present invention. Note that the samereference numerals as in the above embodiments denote the same parts,and an explanation thereof will be omitted.

An analyzer 300 of the third embodiment has an analyzing unit 301 whichperforms electrochemical measurements. The analyzing unit 301 includesan electrochemical cell 302 and electrochemical instrumentation 303. Theelectrochemical cell 302 includes a working electrode (WE) 31, referenceelectrode (RE) 32, and counter electrode (CE) 33. The working electrode(WE) 31, reference electrode (RE) 32, and counter electrode (CE) 33 aredipped in a sample liquid. The electrochemical instrumentation 303transmits and receives signals with the working electrode (WE) 31,reference electrode (RE) 32, and counter electrode (CE) 33 of theelectrochemical cell 302. The analyzing unit 301 also has a potentiostat(PS) (not shown) or a galvanostat (GS) (not shown). The potentiostat(PS) controls the electric potential of the working electrode 31 withrespect to the reference electrode 32 at a preset potential. Thegalvanostat (GS) controls an electric current flowing between theworking electrode 31 and counter electrode 33 at a preset current value.In addition, the analyzing unit 301 has, if necessary, a functiongenerator (not shown) which temporally controls these electric potentialand electric current. The analyzing unit 301 identifies (qualitativelyand/or quantitatively determines) components contained in a sample fluidin a liquid state, together with an analysis controller 104. Note that asample fluid supplied to the analyzing unit 301 can be either acontinuous flow system or intermittent batch system.

The reference electrode 32 contains, e.g., a platinum black electrodeobtained by plating a platinum electrode with platinum, and a Lugginprobe which reduces the influence of iR drop. The reference electrode 32is connected to the exit of a reforming unit 101 by a bypass line L53. Avalve V53 is provided in the line L53. Hydrogen gas in a reformed gasgenerated in the reforming unit 101 is supplied to the referenceelectrode 32 through the line L53 by opening the valve V53, and bubbledto the platinum black electrode in the reference electrode 32. Thismakes it possible to set the electric potential of the platinum blackelectrode at the hydrogen potential. A sample solution (a sample liquid)is used as an electrolyte contained in the reference electrode 32. Thereference electrode 32 functions as a reversible hydrogen electrode(RHE). This reversible hydrogen electrode is preferable because it isunnecessary to take account of the liquid junction potential and thelike.

The electrochemical instrumentation 303 is connected to the workingelectrode (WE) 31, reference electrode (RE) 32, counter electrode (CE)33, and analysis controller 104. The electrochemical instrumentation 303applies a predetermined electric potential based on the referenceelectrode 32 to the working electrode 31. The electrochemicalinstrumentation 303 detects changes in electric current between theworking electrode 31 and counter electrode 33. On the basis of thisdetection signal, the analysis controller 104 provides data capable ofspecifying the composition of a sample fluid or the concentration of ananalytic component. The electrochemical instrumentation 303 alsoperforms control necessary to operate the electrochemical cell 302,e.g., controls the permutating samples, controls the systemtemperatures, and transmits and receives data with the electrochemicalcell 302. Although chronoamperometry is explained in this embodiment,chronopotentiometry can also be performed. Specifically, the systemtemperatures are, e.g., temperatures of liquid contained in theelectrochemical cell 302 or normal hydrogen electrode cell 304 explainedbelow.

A sample fluid having undergone the electrochemical measurement isexhausted outside the electrochemical cell 302 through a line L62 byopening a valve V62. On the other hand, hydrogen gas used in themeasurement can be exhausted outside the electrochemical cell 302, orreturned to a fuel cell 103 and reused. The flow of the hydrogen gasused in the measurement will be explained below.

A valve V61 is provided in a line L61 which is connected to thereference electrode (RE) 32, and extends outside the electrochemicalcell 302. By opening the valve V61, the hydrogen gas can be exhaustedoutside the electrochemical cell 302. The line L61 branches into branchline L63, and a trap 34 is provided in this branch line L63. The trap 34removes mist and contaminants contained in the hydrogen gas used in themeasurement. An exit-side line L64 of the trap 34 branches into twolines, and each branch line communicates with the outside of theanalyzer 300 and the fuel cell 103. A valve V65 is provided in a branchline L65 which communicates with the outside of the analyzer 300. Also,a valve V66 is provided in a branch line L66 which communicates with thefuel cell 103. The hydrogen gas used in the measurement can be suppliedto the trap 34 by closing the valve V61. For example, if thecontamination concentration in the hydrogen gas used in the measurementis excessively high, the hydrogen gas from which the contaminants isremoved by the trap 34 can be exhausted outside the analyzer 300 byopening the valve V65 and closing the valves V66. Likewise, the hydrogengas can be supplied to the fuel cell 103 by opening the valve V66 andclosing the valves V65. Whether to exhaust the hydrogen gas or supplythe hydrogen gas to the fuel cell 103 can be determined on the basis of,e.g., the hydrogen concentration and contamination concentration in thehydrogen gas. This determination and the valve control can be performedby the analysis controller 104.

Note that in this embodiment, the most basic arrangement of thethree-electrode cell type, current-potential curve (polarization curve)measurement is explained as the electrochemical cell 302. When theanalyzer according to the embodiment of the present invention is used,it is possible to perform measurements by, e.g., anodic strippingvoltammetry (AVS) and adorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (ACSV),in addition to general cyclic voltammetry.

The embodiment, however, is not limited to the above measurements. Forexample, AC impedance measurement can be performed by connecting animpedance analyzer (a frequency response analyzer [FRA]) to the aboveembodiment.

When the analyzer 300 of the third embodiment is to be transported inorder to analyze a sample fluid existing outdoors, it is unnecessary totransport hydrogen or a power supply required when a hydrogen generatorelectrolyzes water. This makes the analyzer 300 compact, lightweight,and easy to handle.

Note that in FIG. 4, the reformed gas in which the concentration of COis reduced by the CO reducer 4 is supplied to the analyzing unit 301 andfuel cell 103. In this embodiment, however, a hydrogen purifier 14 canbe provided as in the first embodiment.

Also, as in the first embodiment, the electrochemical cell 302 can beconnected to the reforming unit 101 (particularly, a combustor 5) or tothe fuel cell 103 by using a heat conducting member 9 a or 9 b. Bycontrolling the temperature of the electrochemical cell 302 by usingheat which is conducted through the heat conducting member 9 a or 9 b,it is possible to maintain a sample fluid at a constant temperature, andincrease the measurement accuracy of the electrochemical cell 302. Asdescribed above, the analyzer of this embodiment is also suited tomaintaining the electrochemical cell 302 at a constant temperature, andthis increases the thermal efficiency.

In addition, a normal hydrogen electrode cell 304 can be connected tothe electrochemical cell 302 via salt bridge 306. The normal hydrogenelectrode (NHE) cell 304 include normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) 305.Thus the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) 305 is indirectly connected tothe sample liquid electrically, instead of reference electrode. FIG. 5shows an analyzer 300A as a modification including a normal hydrogenelectrode (NHE) cell 304. The reformed gas is supplied to the NHE 305 ofthe NHE cell 304. Hydrogen gas used in the NHE cell 304 is exhaustedfrom the analyzer 300A or supplied to the fuel cell 103, after passedthrough traps 34 a and 34 b. Although this modification uses the twotraps 34 a and 34 b, the number of traps can also be one or two or more.In the analyzer 300A using the normal hydrogen electrode (NHE) cell 304,particularly the gas composition returned to the fuel cell 103 becomesconstant and stable. This is so because the NHE 305 can be placedseparately from the electrochemical cell 302 to which a sample fluid issupplied. Therefore, this analyzer is a more favorable analytical systemfrom the viewpoint of the reuse of hydrogen gas.

Note that a single heat conducting member 9 a or 9 b is preferablyprovided in the electrochemical cell 302 and NHE cell 304. This makes itpossible to reduce the temperature difference between theelectrochemical cell 302 including working electrode (WE) 31 and counterelectrode (CE) 33, and NHE cell 304 including normal hydrogen electrode(NHE) 305, and increase the measurement accuracy. As described above,the analyzer of this embodiment is also suited to maintaining themeasurement systems 302 and 304 at a constant temperature, and thisincreases the thermal efficiency. In this embodiment, the hydrogenpurifier 14 can be arranged as in the first embodiment. In this case,the reformed gas in which CO concentration is reduced is supplied to thereference electrode 32 or normal hydrogen electrode 305, thereby furtherimproving the measurement accuracy.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG. 6 is a block diagram schematically showing an analyzer according toa fourth embodiment of the present invention. Note that the samereference numerals as in the above embodiments denote the same parts,and an explanation thereof will be omitted.

An analyzer 400 of the fourth embodiment has an analyzing unit 401 whichseparates and analyzes a sample fluid (mixture) by using chromatography.The analyzing unit 401 includes a separator 42 and detector 43. Inaddition, a pressurizing means 41 connected to a fuel tank 1 is providedin a line L1 on the upstream side of the analyzing unit 401. Thepressurizing means 41 applies a pressure to a sample fluid in a liquidstate which flows through the line L1. The pressurized sample fluid issupplied to the separator 42 having a separating means through a supplyport 6.

The fuel tank 1 stores fuel. The fuel tank 1 also stores a pressurizingagent for obtaining a pressure for supplying the fuel to a reformingunit 101. Methanol, naphtha, or the like as the fuel is in a liquidstate in the operation environment of the analyzer 400. The liquid fuelis supplied to the reforming unit 101 by using the pressure obtained bythe pressurizing agent. Note that if the fuel contains gaseous compoundsuch as dimethylether in the operation environment of the analyzer 400,this dimethylether or the like can be used as the pressurizing agent tosupply the fuel. When dimethylether is used as the pressurizing agent,the pressurizing agent can be supplied as a part of the fuel to thereforming unit 101. That is, dimethylether functions not only as thepressurizing agent but also as a part of the fuel.

The pressurizing means 41 applies a pressure to a sample fluid whichflows through the line L1, by using the pressure of the pressurizingagent stored in the fuel tank 1. To supply a sample fluid in a liquidstate to the separator 42 and separate the sample fluid, it is necessaryto apply a pressure higher than that of the analyzer 100 described inthe first embodiment. When the operation environment of the analyzer 400is at room temperature and an atmospheric pressure, a pressure of about6 kgf/cm² can be generated by storing, e.g., dimethylether in a liquidstate in the fuel tank 1. The pressurizing means 41 uses this pressureto supply a sample fluid to the separator 42 and separate the samplefluid. That is, dimethylether functions not only as a pressurizing agentfor supplying the fuel to the reforming unit 101, but also as apressurizing agent for supplying a sample fluid into the separator 42.

The fuel supplied from the fuel tank 1 is once stored in thepressurizing means 41. In this state, the pressurizing means 41generates a sufficient pressure. After that, the fuel is supplied fromthe pressurizing means 41 to the reforming unit 101. The whole or a partof the fuel remaining in the pressurizing means 41 can be supplied tothe reforming unit 101. A part of the fuel to be supplied to thereforming unit 101 may also be returned to the pressurizing means 41. Avalve V10 is provided in a line L10 which communicates with thepressurizing means 41 and reforming unit 101. A branch line L11 branchesfrom the line L10. The branch line L11 joins the line L1 on the upstreamside of the pressurizing means 41. A valve V11 is provided in the branchline L11. The flow rate of the fuel supplied to the reforming unit 101and the flow rate of the fuel returned to the pressurizing means 41 canbe controlled by controlling the valves V10 and V11 by an analysiscontroller 104.

The separator 42 separates components contained in a sample fluid underpredetermined separation conditions. The separator 42 includes a columnfor use in, e.g., high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) whichutilize a pressure, or ion chromatography (IC) which utilizeelectrochemical characteristics.

When high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or ion chromatography(IC) is used, an appropriate separation mode is in many cases selectedin accordance with a type of sample fluid. In the case of an ionexchange separation mode, an ion exchange resin packed column which ispacked with ion exchange resins is selected as the column. A targetionic component contained in a sample fluid can be separated by thedifference in the selectivity coefficients of the packed ion exchangeresins.

The separation mode in the present invention is, of course, not limitedto the ion exchange separation mode. For example, it is also possible toapply a reversed phase mode, normal phase mode, ligand exchange mode,ion exclusion mode, GPC mode, GFC mode, multi mode, affinity mode, oroptical resolution mode, in accordance with a sample fluid.

The detector 43 selectively detects the component in the sample fluidseparated by the separator 42. The detector 43 outputs a signalindicating, e.g., the electric conductivity of the detected component inthe sample fluid to the analysis controller 104. On the basis of theanalytical result, the analysis controller 104 can identify(qualitatively and/or quantitatively determine) the analyticalcomponent. For example, an electric conductivity detector outputtingrepresenting electric conductivity, or a detector using a spectroscopicmeans, can be used as the detector 43. The spectroscopic means is, e.g.,an Absorption Spectrophotometer.

When the analyzer 400 of the fourth embodiment is to be transported inorder to analyze a sample fluid existing outdoors, it is unnecessary totransport a power supply required when the analysis controller 104processes an output signal from the detector 43. In addition,dimethylether usable as a part of the fuel can also be used as apressurizing agent which generates a pressure for supplying the fuel tothe reforming unit 101, and supplying a sample fluid to the separator42. This makes the analyzer 400 compact, lightweight, and easy tohandle.

Note that in this embodiment, a reformed gas in which the COconcentration is reduced by a CO reducer 4 is supplied to a fuel cell103. In this embodiment, however, a hydrogen purifier 14 can be added tothe reforming unit 101 as in the first embodiment.

Also, as in the first embodiment, the separator 42 can be connected tothe reforming unit 101 (particularly, a combustor 5) or to the fuel cell103 by using a heat conducting members 9 a or 9 b. The separator 42 canbe heated to a temperature suited to component separation by using heatwhich is conducted through the heat conducting member 9 a or 9 b. Also,the heat of the combustor 5 or fuel cell 103 can be conducted to thedetector 43 via a heat transfer means (not shown). This makes itpossible to reduce the temperature change of the detector 43, andfurther increase the detection accuracy. As described above, theanalyzer of this embodiment is also suited to maintaining themeasurement systems 42 and 43 at a constant temperature, and thisincreases the thermal efficiency.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1-8. (canceled)
 9. An analyzer comprising: a reforming unit whichreforms fuel containing an organic compound which contains carbon andhydrogen into a reformed gas containing hydrogen; a reducing unit whichis connected to the reforming unit, and reduces a component contained ina sample fluid by using the reformed gas supplied from the reformingunit; a detector which is connected to the reducing unit, and detectsthe component reduced in the reducing unit; and an analysis controllerwhich analyzes an output signal from the detector, and provides dataconfigured to identify the component contained in the sample fluid. 10.An analyzer according to claim 9, wherein the detector comprises areducing vaporization atomic absorption spectroscopy photometeroutputting the output signal representing absorbance by atomicabsorption or spectrophotometric value.
 11. An analyzer according toclaim 9, further comprising: a fuel cell which is connected to thereforming unit, and generates power by using the reformed gas suppliedfrom the reforming unit and oxygen; a CO reducer which reduces CO of thereformed gas before the sample gas is supplied to the fuel cell; acombustor which is connected to the fuel cell, and accelerates acombustion reaction of the reformed gas exhausted from the fuel cell;and heat transfer means for transferring, to the reducing unit, at leastone of heat generated by the combustion reaction in the combustor, heatgenerated by the CO reducing reaction in the CO reducer, and heatgenerated by the power generation in the fuel cell.
 12. An analyzercomprising: a reforming unit which reforms fuel containing an organiccompound which contains carbon and hydrogen into a reformed gascontaining hydrogen; a reference electrode connected to the reformingunit, and dipped in a sample liquid into which the reformed gas issupplied from the reforming unit; a counter electrode and workingelectrode dipped in the sample liquid; an electrochemicalinstrumentation which is connected to the reference electrode, workingelectrode, and counter electrode, and performs electrochemicalmeasurement; and an analysis controller which analyzes anelectrochemical measurement signal output from the electrochemicalinstrumentation, and provides data configured to identify a componentcontained in the sample liquid.
 13. An analyzer according to claim 12,further comprising a hydrogen purifier which increases a hydrogenconcentration in the reformed gas before being supplied to the referenceelectrode.
 14. An analyzer comprising: a reforming unit which reformsfuel containing an organic compound which contains carbon and hydrogeninto a reformed gas containing hydrogen; a working electrode and counterelectrode dipped in a sample liquid; a normal hydrogen electrode whichis indirectly connected to the sample liquid via a salt bridgeelectrically, and connected to the reforming unit from which thereformed gas can be supplied; an electrochemical instrumentation whichis connected to the normal hydrogen electrode, working electrode, andcounter electrode, and performs electrochemical measurement; and ananalysis controller which analyzes an electrochemical measurement signaloutput from the electrochemical instrumentation, and provides dataconfigured to identify a component contained in the sample liquid. 15.An analyzer according to claim 14, further comprising a hydrogenpurifier which increases a hydrogen concentration in the reformed gasbefore being supplied to the normal hydrogen electrode.
 16. An analyzeraccording to claim 14, further comprising: a fuel cell which isconnected to the reforming unit, and generates power by using thereformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and oxygen; a CO reducerwhich reduces CO of the reformed gas before the sample gas is suppliedto the fuel cell; a combustor which is connected to the fuel cell, andaccelerates a combustion reaction of the reformed gas exhausted from thefuel cell; and heat transfer means for transferring, to a measurementsystem, at least one of heat generated by the combustion reaction in thecombustor, heat generated by the CO reducing reaction in the CO reducer,and heat generated by the power generation in the fuel cell.
 17. Ananalyzer comprising: a reforming unit which reforms fuel containingdimethylether in a liquid state into a reformed gas containing hydrogen;a separator which separates a component contained in a sample liquid;pressurizing means for applying, to the sample liquid, a pressuregenerated by the dimethylether, thereby supplying the sample liquid tothe separator; a detector which is connected to the separator, anddetects the component separated in the separator; and an analysiscontroller which analyzes an output signal from the detector, andprovides data configured to identify the component contained in thesample liquid.
 18. An analyzer according to claim 17, wherein theseparator comprises one of a high-performance liquid chromatographycolumn and ion chromatography column.
 19. An analyzer according to claim17, wherein the detector comprises an electric conductivity detectoroutputting representing electric conductivity or spectroscopic means.20. An analyzer according to claim 17, further comprising: a fuel cellwhich is connected to the reforming unit, and generates power by usingthe reformed gas supplied from the reforming unit and oxygen; a COreducer which reduces CO of the reformed gas before the sample gas issupplied to the fuel cell; a combustor which is connected to the fuelcell, and accelerates a combustion reaction of the reformed gasexhausted from the fuel cell; and heat transfer means for transferring,to the separator, at least one of heat generated by the combustionreaction in the combustor, heat generated by the CO reducing reaction inthe CO reducer, and heat generated by the power generation in the fuelcell.